Libellés

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The little man uptop the Vendome Column

I've shown the Column Vendôme a few times here, but never the little guy on top of it! And this little guy happens to be Napoleon (this monument was actually made in his honor) ! I bet that if I'd take a poll in the street, few Parisians know that (I didn't!). The history of this monument is fascinating; not only has this statue been replaced several times but the column in itself was destroyed in 1871, during one of the many riots that we've had through our history! I'll be editing the PDP picnic video this weekend, stay tuned.

I really like this shot. he Parisian sky seems absolutely fabulous, where do you live, Eric?!I knew about the story but just because I took a class called "la statuaire du 19ème et son rôle dans la vie des Grands Hommes", yes, kind of lame but really instructive ;)

before I add more questions on the PDP quiz, I just want to add that when I went to the PDP gathering in LAX, Jeff came outside to walk with me to my waiting taxi. It is those little things that melt a woman's heart. What a lovely gentleman.

Yes, I believe Napoleon really is holding the winged Victory goddess Nike (not the shoes) in his right hand. And for good reason. The battle of Austerlitz was quite a remarkable (OK, outstanding!) victory for the general.

Now, in Chicago we too have a similar statue of a guy with Nike,...his name is "Air" Michael Jordan. ;-) He had some amazing victories as well. However, he was just wearing his Nikes, not holding on to them.;-) But it is fun to imagine Napoleon in a pair of "Air" Jordans.

Here's a Jordan quote I think Nap could relate to:"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win."

But my favorite MJ quote is "I'm not out there sweating for three hours every day just to find out what it feels like to sweat."

TG -- what you said! Been so busy I never even commented yesterday, so let me just say -- thanks, Guille! (btw, I was stood up once, and I told the guy that the next time he showed up he'd better be carrying so many flowers I wouldn't be able to see him. And the next time he came to see me, he was carrying a bouquet twice the size of his head—so I married him. And Eric, you are really some bunny (badda-boom, as Coltrane would say)!!

I was stood up a few times in France!! I believe the first time was at that (in)famous (to me) fontaine St. Michel. I showed up early and didn't know any better so I kept waiting... all afternoon! I waited so long, I finished a book!! That's OK, though, by the time I digested a few chapters, I had realized that the guy not showing was a blessing in disguise.

Guille: I loved the book, actually. Book was far more interesting than the guy (for the life of me, i can't remember anything about him except being stood up. Didn't make much of an impression, lol!)

I'm not sure why I don't like the fountain. To many people, too much traffic, I think. Looks to me like an outdoor version of a correspondence de metro, with just about the same charm (I'm being polite). Now if you get away only a couple of blocks, then it's a different story :)

Wow the men are competing for Gentleman status. I love it! I know you are Michael, just from the lines you say. We haven't met in person yet but some things you just know, good manners shine through.

So this Jeff guy...he sounds like he probably isn't single...?!

Being stood up. You too, Tomate? I find it most unacceptable, she said in a starchy English way. Really I do. No Guille, there's never an excuse for standing up. If it's a blind date and you peek around the corner, see them and don't...fancy... the idea, then you must face them. Walk to them, shake their hand then say to them "Yeah... thanks but no thanks." LOOOOLL !! I'm kidding. I do think to make a polite apology or excuse in person is far better than just leaving someone waiting alone for hours, wondering. Pah! I tell you; 15 minutes without a phone call or reason for tardiness is my limit. I'll have packed my paperback, perfume, lipstick back into my bag and crossed his name from my little black book! These days, with mobile phones, what excuse can there be?Of course, I sound very strong and strict here... but I've been caught by some ghastly men in my time. Not been stood up but... oh well that's for another comments box on another day I'm sure.... :D

I agree, Michael is a real gentleman. As I've said before, he has always been there for me. ;) No! I've never met him face to face except in his profile photo. Speaking of profile photos, E.T. Suzy I love your new profile photo. WooooHoooo!!!!

Michael: I am to be forgiven when I am in a rush. Yes, you DID wait with me and suggested I take a taxi. After I left you I found one and was knighting you because I obviously wasn't planning on taking one. I was so tired that night, too, and my body was aching. It is nice for someone to think of your interests. bisous.

Just turned on my computer today (Saturday), loaded photos, and now checking PDP. The party was so much fun, I can't express it properly. Good job to Eric, and to Guille for setting it up, and thanks to Lois for her work behind the "bar" of food, and Lynne also--for brining all the airline snack packets! Fun to meet ET Suzy, Paris Set MeFree, and everyone else I can't remember yet. I got new signatures in the notebook that Rose gave me last year.

And, yes, ok, ok, I'll join Facebook to see all your photos.

By the way, my white rose survived the trip home and it is on my table in water. My flowering crabapple tree is blooming outside, so I have lots of flowers to soften the landing after a wonderful trip.

Standing someone up is pretty lame if you ask me. It's the silent way of saying "You don't know that about me but I actually don't have any b..lls and I don't know how to say 'sorry I've got other plans, can't make it, let's reschedule another time' or whatever